Pharmaceutical compositions

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal comprising an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C max ) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the intranasal administration of fentanyl.

[0002] The nasal route of drug delivery can afford rapid onset of action and convenience to patients and/or care giver. In particular, this route can provide rapid absorption of drugs into the blood circulation. In some cases absorption of almost the whole dose can be achieved and the pharmacokinetics can be similar to intravenous administration. Such rapid and effective drug delivery can be useful in the treatment of crisis situations such as pain, including breakthrough pain, headache and migraine (Nasal Systemic Drug Delivery, Chien et al. (eds), Dekker, New York, 1987).

[0003] Fentanyl (N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide) is a potent opioid analgesic and may be used in the treatment of severe acute and chronic pain.

[0004] It has been reported that fentanyl is rapidly and well absorbed from the nasal cavity (Striebel et al., Brit. J. Anaesthesia, 96, suppl 1, 108, 1993). In addition, the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl in providing analgesia in patients has been demonstrated in a number of studies (for example Striebel et al., Brit. J. Anaesthesia, 96, suppl 1, 108 and 109, 1993; Striebel et al., Anaesthesia, 48, 753-757, 1993; Majushree et al., Can. J. Anesth., 49, 190-193, 2002; Toussaint et al., Can. J. Anesth., 47, 299-302, 2000). In all of these studies the intranasal administration of fentanyl appears to have been achieved by dropping or spraying a commercially available injection formulation into the nose (SUBLIMAZE®, from Janssen). The commercially available injection formulation of fentanyl contains 0.05 mg of fentanyl, in the form of the citrate salt, in 1 ml of sodium chloride solution and necessitates the intranasal administration of a large volume of liquid in order to provide a therapeutically effective dose of drug.

[0005] Fentanyl is also currently available in a transdermal patch and a transmucosal lozenge. The transdermal patch (for example DUROGESIC® from Janssen) provides a steady concentration of fentanyl in plasma over a prolonged period and is not suitable for the rapid relief of severe pain, such as breakthrough pain associated with terminal illness or acute pain associated with trauma or following surgery. The transmucosal lozenge (ACTIQ®, Cephalon Inc) is used in the treatment of breakthrough pain and is available in a number of dose strengths ranging from 0.2 to 1.6 mg. The absorption of fentanyl from the transmucosal formulation is relatively slow. Times to achieve the peak plasma concentration (T_(max)) of from 20 to 480 minutes have been reported (pp. 405-409, Physician's Desk Reference, 54th edition, Medical Economics Company, Montvale, N.J., 2000).

[0006] Thus, there remains a need for alternative means for the delivery of fentanyl, for example via the intranasal route.

[0007] The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a composition suitable for the intranasal administration of fentanyl that overcomes one or more of the problems described above.

[0009] Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to administer fentanyl intranasally in a practical dose volume and provide rapid absorption in combination with a lower peak plasma concentration than that provided using a simple aqueous solution and an extended plasma concentration-time profile. These advantages can be achieved while maintaining a bioavailability that is comparable to that obtained by the intranasal administration of a simple aqueous solution comprising fentanyl.

[0010] By “comparable bioavailability,” it is meant that the area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve (AUC) is at least 50%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 70% of that for a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose.

[0011] By “simple aqueous solution,” it is meant fentanyl and an ingredient to make the solution isotonic, such as mannitol, dextrose or sodium chloride, dissolved in water. A simple aqueous solution may optionally contain a preservative, such as benzalkonium chloride. An example of such a simple aqueous solution comprises 1.57 mg/ml fentanyl citrate, 48 mg/ml mannitol and 0.15 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride in water.

[0012] The present invention provides a composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal, which comprises an aqueous solution of

[0013] fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and

[0014] a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from

[0015] a pectin and

[0016] a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof;

[0017] provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of agents that cause the pectin to gel, such as divalent metal ions, especially calcium ions.

[0018] The additive may be a pectin, a poloxamer, a chitosan (or a salt or derivative thereof) or it may be a mix of two or more of these additives.

[0019] In comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, the compositions of the present invention provide a lowered peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) and optionally an extended plasma-concentration time profile. The peak plasma concentration (C_(max)) achieved using a composition of the present invention is from 10 to 80%, preferably from 20 to 75% and more preferably from 30 to 70% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose. This means, for example, if a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl produces a C_(max) of 1000 μg/ml, the C_(max) produced by a composition of this invention following administration of an identical dose of fentanyl, is in the range 100-800 μg/ml, preferably 200-750 μg/ml and more preferably 300-700 μg/ml.

[0020] The time to achieve the peak plasma concentration (T_(max)) by nasal administration of a composition of the present invention is preferably from 5 to 60 minutes, more preferably from 5 to 45 minutes and most preferably from 5 to 30 minutes.

[0021] Fentanyl is preferably used in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Most preferably fentanyl citrate is used.

[0022] The concentration of fentanyl or a salt thereof in the compositions of the invention is preferably in the range of from 0.05 to 30 mg/ml, more preferably from 0.1 to 20 mg/ml and most preferably from 0.2 to 16 mg/ml (expressed as fentanyl base).

[0023] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is readily understood in the art and can be considered to include materials that may be used in commercially available pharmaceutical or food products and/or have GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status and/or are listed in a pharmacopoeia such as the United States Pharmacopoeia or the European Pharmacopoeia.

[0024] In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pectin and which provides a peak plasma concentration (C_(max)) of fentanyl of from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.

[0025] Pectins are polysaccharide substances present in the cell walls of all plant tissues. Commercially they are generally obtained from the dilute acid extract of the inner portion of the rind of citrus fruits or from apple pomace. Pectins are heterogeneous materials, comprising partially methoxylated polygalacturonic acids.

[0026] The proportion of galacturonic acid moieties in the methyl ester form represents the degree of esterification (DE). The term “DE” is well understood by those skilled in the art and may be represented as the percentage of the total number of carboxyl groups that are esterified, i.e., if four out of five acid groups is esterified this represents a degree of esterification of 80%, or as the methoxyl content of the pectin. The respective theoretical maximum for each is 100% and 16% respectively. “DE” as used herein refers to the total percentage of carboxyl groups that are esterified. The degree of esterification (DE) of pectins found naturally can vary considerably (from 60 to 90%).

[0027] Pectins can be categorized into those having a low degree of esterification (low methoxylation) or a high degree of esterification (high methoxylation). A “low DE” or “LM” pectin has a degree of esterification below 50% whereas a “high DE” or “HM” pectin has a degree of esterification of 50% or above.

[0028] The gelling properties of aqueous pectin solutions can be controlled by the concentration of pectin, the type of pectin, especially the degree of esterification of the galacturonic acid units, and the presence of added salts.

[0029] Preferably low DE pectins are used in the compositions of the present invention. More preferably pectins having a degree of esterification of less than 35%, for example from 5 to 35%, preferably from 7 to 30%, such as from about 10 to about 25%, for example from 15 to 25% are used in the present invention.

[0030] Low DE pectins are usually prepared by the de-esterification of extracted pectins, normally on a bench scale, by way of an enzymatic process, or, on an industrial scale, by treatment with acid or ammonia in an alcoholic heterogeneous medium. Treatment with ammonia creates so-called low DE amidated pectins. As used herein, the term “low DE pectin” includes both amidated and non-amidated low DE pectins.

[0031] Low DE pectins may be purchased commercially. An example of a low DE pectin which may be used in the present invention is SLENDID® 100, supplied by CP Kelco (Lille Skensved, Denmark) which has a degree of esterification of about 15 to 25%.

[0032] The primary mechanism by which low DE pectins gel in aqueous solution is through exposure to metal ions, such as those found in the nasal mucosal fluid as described in WO98/47535.

[0033] The solutions of the invention should not gel on storage. Thus, solutions containing a pectin are substantially free of agents that cause the pectin to gel, such as divalent metal ions, especially calcium ions. By “substantially free” of divalent metal ions it is meant greater than 97%, preferably greater than 99%, more preferably greater than 99.9% and especially greater than 99.99% free of divalent metal ions.

[0034] When a composition of the invention contains a pectin, the concentration of pectin is preferably in the range of from 1 to 40 mg/ml, more preferably from 2 to 30 mg/ml and most preferably from 5 to 25 mg/ml.

[0035] A preferred pectin containing composition of the invention comprises 0.2 to 16 mg/ml of fentanyl (expressed as fentanyl base) and 5 to 25 mg/ml of a pectin having a DE value of from 7 to 30% and has a pH of from 3.4 to 5.0 and an osmolality of from 0.25 to 0.35 osmol/kg.

[0036] In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof.

[0037] Poloxamers are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. They have the general formula HO(C₂H₄O)_(a)(C₃H₆O)_(b)(C₂H₄O)_(a)H wherein a is typically from 2 to 130 and b is typically from 15 to 67. Poloxamers have a number of pharmaceutical applications such as viscosity modifiers, solubilising agents or emulsifiers. They may be used in the compositions of the present invention as thickening agents and in order to control and modify the absorption of fentanyl into the systemic circulation such that a peak plasma concentration (C_(max)) of fentanyl of from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose is achieved.

[0038] Several different types of poloxamer are available commercially, from suppliers such as BASF, and vary with respect to molecular weight and the proportions of ethylene oxide “a” units and propylene oxide “b” units. Poloxamers suitable for use in the present invention typically have a molecular weight of from 2,500 to 18,000, for example from 7,000 to 15,000 Da. Examples of commercially available poloxamers suitable for use in the present invention include poloxamer 188, which structurally contains 80 “a” units and 27 “b” units, and has a molecular weight in the range 7680 to 9510 and poloxamer 407 which structurally contains 101 “a” units and 56 “b” units, and has a molecular weight in the range 9840 to 14600 (Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, editor A. H. Kippe, 3^(rd) edition, Pharmaceutical Press, London, United Kingdom, 2000). Preferably the poloxamer is poloxamer 188.

[0039] When the compositions of the present invention comprise a poloxamer, the poloxamer is preferably present at a concentration in the range of from 50 to 200 mg/ml, more preferably from 65 to 160 mg/ml and most preferably from 80 to 120 mg/ml.

[0040] Compositions of the invention that comprise a poloxamer also comprise chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof.

[0041] Chitosans are cationic polymers that have mucoadhesive properties. The mucoadhesion is thought to result from an interaction between the positively charged chitosan molecule and the negatively charged sialic acid groups on mucin (Soane et al. Int. J. Pharm., 178, 55-65, 1999).

[0042] By the term “chitosan,” it is meant all derivatives of chitin, or poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, including all polyglucosamines and oligomers of glucosamine materials of different molecular weights, in which the greater proportion of the N-acetyl groups have been removed through hydrolysis (deacetylation). Preferably, the chitosan is produced from chitin by deacetylation to a degree of greater than 40%, preferably between 50 and 98%, more preferably between 70% and 90%.

[0043] The chitosan, chitosan derivative, or salt used in the present invention preferably has a molecular weight of 4,000 Da or more, preferably from 10,000 to 1,000,000 Da, more preferably from 15,000 to 750,000 Da and most preferably from 50,000 to 300,000 Da.

[0044] Salts of chitosan are suitable for use in the present invention. Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, the nitrate, phosphate, glutamate, lactate, citrate, hydrochloride and acetate salts. Preferred salts are chitosan glutamate and chitosan hydrochloride.

[0045] Chitosan derivatives are also suitable for use in the present invention. Suitable chitosan derivatives include, but are not limited to, ester, ether or other derivatives formed by bonding acyl and/or alkyl groups with the hydroxyl groups, but not the amino groups of chitosan. Examples are O-alkyl ethers of chitosan and O-acyl esters of chitosan. Modified chitosans, such as those conjugated to polyethylene glycol may be used in the present invention.

[0046] Low and medium viscosity chitosans suitable for use in the present invention may be obtained from various sources, including NovaMatrix, Drammen, Norway; Seigagaku America Inc., Maryland, United States of America; Meron (India) Pvt, Ltd., India; Vanson Ltd, Virginia, United States of America; and AMS Biotechnology Ltd., United Kingdom. Suitable derivatives include those that are disclosed in Roberts, Chitin Chemistry, MacMillan Press Ltd., London (1992).

[0047] Particularly preferred chitosan compounds that may be mentioned include the “PROTOSAN™” types available from NovaMatrix, Drammen, Norway.

[0048] Preferably, the chitosan, or salt or derivative thereof is water-soluble.

[0049] An aqueous solution of chitosan may be prepared by dissolving chitosan base or a derivative of chitosan base in a pharmaceutically acceptable mineral or organic acid such as hydrochloric, lactic, citric or glutamic acid or by dissolving a chitosan salt or a salt of a chitosan derivative in water.

[0050] When the compositions of the present invention comprise chitosan, a chitosan salt or a chitosan derivative, the concentration of chitosan is preferably from 0.1 to 20 mg/ml, more preferably from 0.5 to 15 mg/ml and most preferably from 1 to 10 mg/ml (expressed as chitosan base).

[0051] A preferred poloxamer and chitosan containing composition of the invention comprises 0.2 to 16 mg/ml of fentanyl (expressed as fentanyl base), 80 to 120 mg/ml of a poloxamer having a molecular weight of from 7,000 to 15,000 Da and 1 to 10 mg/ml (expressed as chitosan base) of a chitosan having a molecular weight of from 50,000 to 300,000 Da or a salt or derivative thereof and has a pH of from 3.0 to 5.0 and an osmolality of from 0.4 to 0.7 osmol/kg.

[0052] The pH of the compositions of the invention may be regulated. For example, buffered aqueous solutions may be used. Alternatively, the pH of the compositions of the present invention may be adjusted using any pharmaceutically acceptable acidifying or alkalizing agent that is compatible with the other components of the compositions. Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acidifying agents include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, methane sulphonic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid and malic acid. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable alkalizing agents include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, meglumine, tromethamine, sodium bicarbonate, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. When the composition of the invention contains pectin, in order to prevent unwanted gelling, the acidifying agent or alkalizing agent preferably should not contain an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion, for example it should not be sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate.

[0053] The pH of the compositions of the invention is generally preferably from 3 to 6. For the pectin containing compositions of the invention, the pH is more preferably from 3.2 to 5.5 and most preferably from 3.4 to 5.0. For the poloxamer and chitosan containing compositions of the invention, the pH is more preferably from 3.0 to 5.5 and most preferably from 3.0 to 5.0.

[0054] To ensure that the compositions of the invention are well tolerated by the patient when administered to the nose (for example when sprayed into the nasal cavity), it is advantageous that they have an osmolality close to that of plasma. The osmolality is generally preferably from 0.1 to 1.0 osmol/kg. For the pectin containing compositions of the invention, the osmolality is more preferably from 0.2 to 0.8 osmol/kg, still more preferably from 0.2 to 0.4 osmol/kg and most preferably from 0.25 to 0.35 osmol/kg. For the poloxamer and chitosan containing compositions of the invention, the osmolality is more preferably from 0.2 to 0.9 osmol/kg, still more preferably from 0.3 to 0.8 osmol/kg and most preferably from 0.4 to 0.7 osmol/kg.

[0055] The osmolality of the compositions of the invention may be adjusted to the desired value by adding any appropriate agent. Salts of metal ions, in particular sodium chloride, are commonly used to adjust the osmolality of pharmaceutical preparations. However, it is not appropriate to use metal ions when the composition of the invention includes a pectin because pectins may form a gel in the presence of metal ions. It has been found that addition of metal ions, for example sodium in the form of sodium chloride, to compositions containing fentanyl and chitosan results in the formation of a precipitate. Thus, the use of metal ion containing agents should preferably be avoided. We have found that gel formation in pectin-containing fentanyl compositions and precipitate formation in chitosan-containing fentanyl compositions can be avoided by using a non-metal ion containing compound such as a polyhydric alcohol, for example mannitol or sorbitol, or a sugar, for example dextrose, sucrose or trehalose, to adjust the osmolality. Especially preferred agents to adjust osmolality are mannitol and dextrose at a concentration of up to 50 mg/ml.

[0056] The compositions of the invention may also contain other ingredients such as antioxidants (for example sodium metabisulphite), chelating agents (such as edetic acid or one of its salts), preservatives (such as benzalkonium chloride, sorbic acid or one of its salts, phenylethyl alcohol and/or propyl hydroxybenzoate), sweeteners (such as saccharin or aspartame), flavorings (such as peppermint) or other agents generally used in pharmaceutical liquid preparations and well known to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Preferably, the compositions of the invention contain a preservative or are sterile.

[0058] Preferably, the compositions of the invention are non-pyrogenic.

[0059] The composition of the invention can be administered to the nasal cavity in any suitable form, for example in the form of drops or sprays.

[0060] Methods suitable for administering a composition to the nasal cavity will be well known by the person of ordinary skill in the art. Any suitable method may be used. The preferred method of administration is the use of a spray device. Spray devices can be single (unit) dose or multiple dose systems, for example comprising a bottle, pump and actuator, and are available from various commercial sources including Pfeiffer, Valois, Bespak and Becton-Dickinson. Electrostatic spray devices, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,517, are also suitable for the intranasal administration of the compositions of the present invention.

[0061] For a spray device, the typical volume of liquid that is dispensed in a single spray actuation is in the range of from 0.01 to 0.15 ml. A typical dosing regimen for a nasal spray product would be in the range of one spray into a single nostril to two sprays into each nostril.

[0062] The preferred dose of fentanyl or one of its salts is from 0.01 to 5.0 mg (10 to 5000 μg), more preferably from 0.015 to 4.0 mg (15 to 4000 μg) and most preferably from 0.02 to 3.0 mg (20 to 3000 μg).

[0063] The present invention also provides a spray device loaded with a composition as defined above.

[0064] The present invention also provides a process for preparing a composition as described above. This process comprises mixing the components of the composition in water. Purified water such as water for injections may be used.

[0065] The compositions of this invention can be used for the treatment, management or prevention of both acute and chronic pain, in animals including humans. The compositions of the invention can be used to treat, manage or prevent pain a wide variety of pain conditions such as those associated with injury and accident trauma, terminal illness, especially breakthrough pain, and following surgery.

[0066] The present invention also provides the use of a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from

[0067] (a) a pectin and

[0068] (b) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof;

[0069] in the manufacture of a medicament for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal such as a human in need thereof, which medicament is adapted to provide a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.

[0070] In particular, the present invention provides the use of a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from

[0071] (a) a pectin and

[0072] (b) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof;

[0073] in the manufacture of a medicament for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal such as a human in need thereof suitable for the treatment, prevention or management of acute or chronic pain, which medicament is adapted to provide a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0075] In the drawings:

[0076]FIG. 1 shows mean plasma concentration profiles of fentanyl following the administration of a fentanyl solution comprising chitosan and a fentanyl solution that did not contain chitosan to sheep obtained in Example 7.

[0077]FIG. 2 shows plasma concentration of fentanyl profiles for three intranasal and one transmucosal formulation obtained in Example 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] The invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Solution Containing 1.57 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate (Equivalent to 1 mg/ml Fentanyl Base) and 10 mg/ml Pectin

[0079] 2 g of pectin (SLENDID 100, CP Kelco, Denmark) was dissolved with stirring in 180 ml of water. 1 ml of phenylethyl alcohol (R. C. Treat, United Kingdom) and 40 mg of propyl hydroxybenzoate (Nipa Laboratories, United Kingdom) were added to the pectin solution as preservatives. 314 mg of fentanyl citrate (MacFarlan Smith, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) and 8.3 g of mannitol (Sigma, Poole, United Kingdom) were dissolved in the pectin solution, the solution transferred to a 200 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water. The pH of the solution was 4.2 and the osmolality was 0.33 osmol/kg.

Example 2 Solution Containing 1.57 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate and 20 mg/ml Pectin

[0080] 4 g of pectin (SLENDID 100) was dissolved with stirring in 180 ml of water. 1 ml of phenylethyl alcohol and 40 mg of propyl hydroxybenzoate were added to the pectin solution. 314 mg of fentanyl citrate and 8.3 g of mannitol were dissolved in the pectin solution, the solution was transferred to a 200 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water.

[0081] 4 ml of the solution was transferred into a 5 ml glass bottle. A Valois VP7 spray pump (0.1 ml volume) with actuator (Valois, France) was attached to bottle. The pump was primed by firing several times. When primed, firing the device delivered 0.1 ml of liquid spray containing 0.157 mg of fentanyl citrate (equivalent to 0.1 mg of fentanyl base).

Example 3 Solution Containing 1.57 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate, 100 mg/ml Poloxamer 188 and 5 mg/ml Chitosan Glutamate

[0082] A 15 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride solution was prepared by weighing 300 mg of 50% benzalkonium chloride aqueous solution (Albright & Wilson, United Kingdom) into a 10 ml volumetric flask, dispersing it in approximately 8 ml of water, then making the solution up to 10 ml with water.

[0083] 2.5 ml of 15 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride solution and 200 ml of water were added to 25 g of poloxamer 188 in a beaker. The beaker was placed in an ice bath and the contents stirred until the poloxamer had dissolved. 1.25 g of chitosan glutamate (PROTASAN UPG213, Pronova, Norway) and 11.25 g of mannitol were stirred into the poloxamer solution until dissolved. 393 mg of fentanyl citrate was dissolved in approximately 10 ml of water and added to the poloxamer solution. The solution was transferred into a 250 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water.

[0084] The pH of the solution was 3.3 and the osmolality was 0.56 osmol/kg.

[0085] 0.123 ml samples of the final solution were filled into the glass vial of a single dose nasal spray device (Unitdose System, Pfeiffer, Germany). The vial was sealed with a rubber closure and assembled into the device. On firing, the device emitted 0.1 ml of liquid spray containing a 0.157 mg dose of fentanyl citrate (equivalent to 0.1 mg fentanyl base).

Example 4 Solution Containing 6.28 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate (Equivalent to 4 mg/ml Fentanyl Base) and 10 mg/ml Pectin

[0086] 2.5 g of pectin (SLENDID 100) was dissolved with stirring in 200 ml of water. 1.25 ml of phenylethyl alcohol and 50 mg of propyl hydroxybenzoate were added to the pectin solution. 1.58 mg of fentanyl citrate and 9 g of mannitol were dissolved in the pectin solution, the solution transferred to a 250 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water.

[0087] The pH of the solution was 3.8 and the osmolality was 0.30 osmol/kg.

[0088] 0.123 ml samples of the final solution were filled into the glass vial of a single dose nasal spray device (Unitdose System, Pfeiffer, Germany). The vial was sealed with a rubber closure and assembled into the device. On firing, the device emitted 0.1 ml of liquid spray containing a 0.628 mg dose of fentanyl citrate (equivalent to 0.4 mg fentanyl base).

Example 5 Preparation of Solution Containing 1.57 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate

[0089] 78.5 mg of fentanyl citrate was dissolved in 40 ml of water. 0.5 ml of 15 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride solution and 2.4 g mannitol were added to the fentanyl solution which was stirred until all of the ingredients had dissolved. The solution was transferred to a 50 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water.

Example 6 Preparation of Solution Containing 1.57 mg/ml Fentanyl Citrate and 5 mg/ml Chitosan Glutamate

[0090] 250 mg of chitosan glutamate was dissolved in 40 ml of water. 0.5 ml of 15 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride solution, 78.5 mg fentanyl citrate and 2.4 g mannitol were added to the chitosan solution which was stirred until all of the ingredients had dissolved. The solution was transferred to a 50 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with water.

Example 7 Pharmacokinetic Performance of Fentanyl Intranasal Formulations in the Sheep

[0091] The solutions prepared in Examples 5 and 6 were administered intranasally to sheep. A group of eight animals, each weighing approximately 60 kg, was used. The doses were administered to a randomized crossover design and each animal received 0.3 ml of each test solution (equivalent to 0.3 mg fentanyl base) intranasally. Nasal doses were administered via a spray device with the dose volume being divided equally between both nostrils.

[0092] Blood samples were collected and plasma separated. Plasma samples were assayed by a LC-MS-MS method for fentanyl content.

[0093] Mean plasma concentration-time curves for the two nasal test solutions are shown in FIG. 1. The curves were essentially identical and indicated that fentanyl was rapidly absorbed both in the absence and presence of chitosan.

Example 8 Pharmacokinetic Performance of Fentanyl Intranasal and Oral Transmucosal Formulations in Human Volunteers

[0094] A clinical study was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic performance of three intranasal fentanyl formulations and a transmucosal lozenge formulation (ACTIQ®, Elan Pharmaceuticals, United Kingdom).

[0095] The intranasal formulations were prepared as described Examples 1, 3, and 6 above.

[0096] The study was a randomized four-way complete cross-over trial in a group of 18 healthy adult volunteers. Intranasal doses were administered using Pfeiffer Unitdose devices. Each subject received a single spray into one nostril to provide a fentanyl dose of 0.1 mg. The ACTIQ® dose was provided as a lozenge containing 200 μg (0.2 mg) of fentanyl. The lozenge was administered by dissolving in the mouth over a period of approximately 15 minutes. Plasma samples were collected from the subjects and analyzed for fentanyl content using a LC-MS-MS assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma data.

[0097] Plasma concentration versus time curves for the three intranasal and one transmucosal formulation are shown in FIG. 2. A summary of the pharmacokinetic parameters is provided in Table 1. TABLE 1 Summary of mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters. Bioavailability T_(max) C_(max) AUC relative to Formulation (min) (pg/ml) (pg/ml · h) ACTIQ ® (%) Nasal chitosan 12 647 95747 166 solution Nasal pectin solution 21 337 87079 147 Nasal poloxamer + chitosan 18 442 82614 143 solution ACTIQ ® (oral 101  264 117840  (100) transmucosal)

[0098] Based on the results from the sheep study described in Example 7, the pharmacokinetic performance of the chitosan solution in the human volunteer study can be considered to be representative of a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl. The intranasal formulations containing pectin and a mixture of poloxamer and chitosan were able to reduce the C_(max) to values of 52% and 68% respectively relative to the nasal chitosan solution.

[0099] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal comprising an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.
 2. A composition according to claim 1, which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) that is from 30 to 70% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of fentanyl.
 4. A composition according to claim 3, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of fentanyl is fentanyl citrate.
 5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the additive is a pectin.
 6. A composition according to claim 5, wherein the pectin has a DE value of from 7 to 30%.
 7. A composition according to claim 5, wherein the concentration of pectin is from 5 to 25 mg/ml.
 8. A composition according to claim 5 that is at least 99% free of divalent metal ions.
 9. A composition according to claim 5 having an osmolality of from 0.25 to 0.35 osmol/kg.
 10. A composition according to claim 5 having a pH of from 3.4 to 5.0.
 11. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the additive is a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof.
 12. A composition according to claim 11, wherein the chitosan or salt derivative thereof is chitosan glutamate.
 13. A composition according to claim 11, wherein the concentration of poloxamer is from 80 to 120 mg/ml and the concentration of chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof is from 1 to 10 mg/ml (expressed as chitosan base).
 14. A composition according to claim 11 having an osmolality of from 0.4 to 0.7 osmol/kg.
 15. A composition according to claim 11 having a pH of from 3.0 to 5.0.
 16. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is from 0.2 to 15 mg/ml (expressed as fentanyl base).
 17. A composition according to claim 1 which is adapted to be delivered to the nose in the form of drops or as a spray.
 18. A composition according to claim 1 for use in the treatment or prevention of acute or chronic pain.
 19. The use of a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal in need thereof, which medicament is adapted to provide a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (C_(max)) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose.
 20. Use according to claim 19 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of acute or chronic pain.
 21. A method for the treatment or prevention of acute or chronic pain, comprises an intranasal delivery of a composition according to claim 1 to a patient.
 22. A spray device loaded with a composition according to claim
 1. 23. A process for preparing a composition according to claim 1 comprising mixing fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with the pharmaceutically acceptable additive in water. 